Coilover help

[6strings]

My struts are on their way out, so its a great time to lower my car. I was thinking of going coilovers because they are height adjustable and dampening adjustable.

My only problem is which one?!
From what I can read on this forum most people are running BC Coilovers or Tein Basics.
I was also looking into HSD Coilovers.

My main concern is the product not causing me any problems down the road, or constantly having to take it into a shop to get it fixed. And just as important is the ride quality.

1.BC Racing
2.Tein Basics
3.HSD
4.Yonaka
5.H&R
I will probably get bombarded with "use the search function n00b" but I have been for a while. I need help.

[peterm15]

well there is a sale on Yonaka coilovers right now from rick@garage16, im picking up thoes as they seem to have good reviews. Head to garage16's section to peek at the thread, i believe there is someone there that compared them to BC and like yonaka better. dont quote me though i havent read that post in a few days.

[6strings]

yeah. But yonaka doesnt have dampers to adjust the stiffness of the ride.
geez... getting coils... such a big issue for me lol

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Leaving them on in winter?
Want to go low?
Tracking?
Budget?

[dentinger]

I had the yonaka's, and after 2 years, they were seized solid. Granted, I never touched them in the 2 years, but you would think they would hold up better. Also, the rears springs rusted pretty bad.

You get what you pay for. Go with teins, I've never heard of anyone having problems with them.

[6strings]

Leaving them on in winter?
Want to go low?
Tracking?
Budget?
1) Yes
2)Between Prokit -Sportline drop
3)no tracking, atleast not this point in my life.
4).... not really, i get what I pay for

[Thrizzl3]

I'd try out the BC's because they have the dampening option :) even though i'm on tein basics and i only height adjustment

[6strings]

I'd try out the BC's because they have the dampening option :) even though i'm on tein basics and i only height adjustment

how is the ride quality? harsh? thats the only reason i want a dampening adjustable system.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I would look at the prices for the following (in this order)

Suspension Techniques, Tein, BC, HSD.

Whichever of those you can find for the best price would probably suit your needs. I don't have any research regarding H&R for the 3 so I swapped it out for ST's (made by KW IIRC).

Tein Basics and BC I would put on the same level. One has been around longer but has less adjustment, the other been around not as long with documented failures but has more adjustment.

[6strings]

I would look at the prices for the following (in this order)

Suspension Techniques, Tein, BC, HSD.

Whichever of those you can find for the best price would probably suit your needs. I don't have any research regarding H&R for the 3 so I swapped it out for ST's (made by KW IIRC).

Tein Basics and BC I would put on the same level. One has been around longer but has less adjustment, the other been around not as long with documented failures but has more adjustment.

THanks dave, I've never heard of Suspension Techniques. HSD, and BC (because of the issues people have with them) are not on the top of the list.
Suspension Techniques doesn't have a dampening adjustment. Hmmmm.. Choices..

[shu5892001]

I would choose H&R, just because I trust that brand the most out of all the brand you have posted.

[6strings]

I was doing some searching on this site and a thread mentions that HSD doesn't give a significant drop. It didnt come close to even prokits.
Any thoughts on Yellow Speed Racing or STD R1 Suspension System ?

[dentinger]

I would choose H&R, just because I trust that brand the most out of all the brand you have posted.

+1
they're expensive, but you get what you pay for.

[6strings]

I was looking at H&R as well, but there is no dampening adjustment.

[shu5892001]

I would sacrifice damping adjust. for reliability, longevity and peace of mind. Plus they are not that much more expensive then bc/tein basics

[S.F.W.]

I would choose H&R, just because I trust that brand the most out of all the brand you have posted.

One brand not listed is KW. I would trust KW, Tein over H&R

[6strings]

I am a daily driver. Would I be using KW or H&R to its full potential?

[6strings]

I think it would be easier if I asked "Which coilover set to avoid!"

[Dave_The_BMXER]

One brand not listed is KW. I would trust KW, Tein over H&R

KW makes ST that's why I listed it, from what I read it's a cheaper alternative to KW.

Yes it's true HSD don't go very low at all (why I listed them last).

[6strings]

But is it the same quality? I don't want to get hit with the "you get what you pay for" line.
In my opinion Im looking for coilovers so I can lower it in the summer, and bring back up during winters.
Dampening AFAIK only matters if the ride is too harsh for daily driving. Im supposed to meet up with phil05gx tomorrow to see how the Tein Basics feel.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

What's the difference between KW coilovers and ST Coilovers? Four simple differences:

Construction
ST Speedtech Coilovers are constructed of high grade steel, and heavy galvanized for great rust protection.
KW Coilovers are made from INOX stainless steel, which is 100% rust free.

Damper Options
ST Speedtech Coilovers offer only a non-dampening adjustable solution along with the height adjustability, just like the KW V1’s.

KW Coilover systems are available in three different dampening options:
V1 Coilovers - Height Adjustable with Preset Dampening
V2 Coilovers - Height Adjustable with Adjustable Rebound Dampening
V3 Coilovers - Height Adjustable with Adjustable Rebound & Compression Dampening

:)

[6strings]

Yeah. I read that. It looks convincing.
My main fear is ending up on the side road somewhere because of failed parts. It seems fairly new.

[maz06]

I've heard that with the Bc's you need to preload the coilovers first is this true ? If so how do you do this procedure ?

Thanks,

[Dave_The_BMXER]

^ They come with the spring preload set.

OP consider springs you like and Koni yellows. The height you want is achievable without coils and you can drive all winter lowered without much hassle.

[6strings]

^ They come with the spring preload set.

OP consider springs you like and Koni yellows. The height you want is achievable without coils and you can drive all winter lowered without much hassle.

That what I am starting to think. I read a few of your posts. Did you find Koni Yellows harsh of a ride?

[shu5892001]

Konis are adjustable, if you don't lower too much (1.-1.5 inches) you can run them pretty soft. But if you lower like 2 inches, then you better set it stiff to prevent bottom outs

[baymoe]

ST Coilovers are $1050 at Tirerack. I was thinking of going for those or the KW V1 ($400 more than the ST).

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Konis are adjustable, if you don't lower too much (1.-1.5 inches) you can run them pretty soft. But if you lower like 2 inches, then you better set it stiff to prevent bottom outs

This.

Mine were setup fairly stiff but I am pretty used to lowered cars at this point (my truck before this had a terrible, terrible ride).

If there was a spring/shock setup the height I am at now I would switch to it probably...

[6strings]

Ok so you set them as firm, so thats why it was a bit harsh.
What do you think about me going with Prokits and Koni Sport (I think they are yellows)

[shu5892001]

Ok so you set them as firm, so thats why it was a bit harsh.
What do you think about me going with Prokits and Koni Sport (I think they are yellows)

Prokit + yellows are arguably one of the best combo for mazda 3, a well balance between appearance, practicality, performance, comfortness and reliability.

[6strings]

Reliabilty and comfort wins me over.

[shu5892001]

Then you want prokit and konis... nothing else lol. If you want a reliable system and a moderate drop

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Ya Prokits + Yellows is the easiest choice for this car that's why most people have it.

[6strings]

Thanks for all the help. You guys guided me in the right direction. I will weigh out my options. Now its just a matter of waiting....... :(

[6strings]

Met up with phil05gx. Nice ride, but too harsh for my liking. Love the drop on his car.
My mind is made up on Eibach Prokits on Koni Yellows.

[Thrizzl3]

Met up with phil05gx. Nice ride, but too harsh for my liking. Love the drop on his car.
My mind is made up on Eibach Prokits on Koni Yellows.

it got stiffer when i put the 18's on. when i had the winters on the ride wasn't as harsh. lol

[6strings]

it got stiffer when...

THats what she said!. LoL
i can see my back giving out on me after a few weeks on that, because im a wuss like that.